Introduction

My name is Echo Zeng. Two years ago, I finished the two years nursing program in City Tech and got my RN license right away, and then I started the BSN in the same college. I haven’t had any professional experience yet but only focused on study. Now it is my last semester here. As a Chinese immigrant who began learning English after coming to the United States, majoring in Nursing is really a big challenge for me. However, I am happy with my decision because of the changing nature of nursing; it involves encountering and helping people with diverse cultural backgrounds, which is so challenging and interesting. I am definitely looking forward to completing my BSN as soon as possible, so that I will pursue a career and start my life of nursing.

 

Philosophy

As patient advocates, I aim to apply all my knowledge in order to provide high quality care for my patient while being compassionate and caring, honest and respectful. I believe that nursing is about to take care of the patients as a whole regardless their cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status, education level, beliefs and values. In addition, taking care of a patient is not only about to promote their physical health but also their spiritual and mental wellness as well. In the meanwhile, we should also take into consideration their cultural preference and include the family in the plan of care.

 

Resume

Echo Zeng, RN

Email: echo.zeng@mail.citytech.cuny.edu

 

Education

2016 New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, New York

Associate of Applied Science: Nursing Degree

Bachelor Degree in nursing candidate, expected in 2019

 

Experience

Student Nurse / Maimonides Medical Center, February 2016 – May 2016

• Administered medications as prescribed with the presence of instructor
• Demonstrated proficiency in taking vital signs
• Educated patients for medication compliance

 

 

License and Certification

2016 Registered Nurse: New York State Board of Nursing, License # 715445

BLS, ACLS certified by American Heart Association

 

Skills

• Computer skills
• Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese
• Good communication skills, with the ability to educate patients effectively

Self-Analysis

The entire educational process of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing is incredibly valuable. It helps me in advancing my knowledge and skills far beyond the clinical experience and recognizing the importance of committing myself to the lifelong learning in order to keep myself updated in accordance with the changing nature of nursing work. At the same time, I feel more confident and prepared to carry out my nursing tasks and provide patients with high quality care. It also has greatly broadened my knowledge by providing me more insights into the professional nursing in terms of work ethics, professional standards and code of conduct, as well as raising my awareness of my nursing accountability, responsibilities, and the patient rights. I also realize that there are disparity in the current health care system, in which patients with certain cultural backgrounds (e.g. African, Chinese, and Spanish) are less likely than the whites to benefit from or receive adequate health care services. As patient advocates, we ought to provide our patient with mental and emotional support and help them utilize appropriate health care resources to meet their needs. We also have to keep in mind that patient is always the our priority and we are accountable to ensure the safety of patients, provide them with nonjudgmental and high quality care. Furthermore, the BSN program has given me more understandings in relation to the various roles that nurses play in the health care system, in which nurses are taking role as an advocate, an educator, and being part of a research team all at the same time.

 

Individual Strength

I believe that my individual strength is, first of all, my compassion and empathy toward my patients. Compassion and empathy are important concepts for health professionals; compassion provides me with energy and patience to listen to my patient’s concerns and build rapport with them, empathy allows me to think and feel from the patient’s perspective and have more understanding for their actual needs, which in turn helps to build positive health professional-patient relationship. My another individual strength is being a multi-tasker. I am able to prioritize my tasks and manage time efficiently, which are important for a nurse. I am also very reliable and flexible. I can be ready to work overtime, show up on time each day if I am scheduled to work, and cover other nurses if they need to get a rest. Moreover, I am a honest and trustworthy person, either to my patients or to my colleagues. I understand the utmost importance of adhering to the nursing code of ethics and not disclosing any personal or medical information pertaining to my patients.

 

Sample of Written Assignment

Comprehensive Critique: Part II

Professor Falk

Nursing Research NUR 3130

By Echo Zeng

05/12/2017

 

 

 

Data Collection and Measurement

The type of data collection used in the article “Skin-to-Skin Contact After Cesarean Delivery: An Experimental Study” is biophysiologic measures. According to Denise and Cheryl, “biophysiologic measures are plentiful, tend to be accurate and valid, and are extremely useful in clinical nursing studies” (2014, P 192). In this study, key variables were operationalized through different techniques for each variable. The same manner for data collection in regards to skin temperature was used for both groups of infants and mothers in order to gather reliable results. For example, the same thermometer was used and process of data collection is clearly described and show measurements at different interval. Data was collected using a repeated measure design, which involved collecting data at multiple times from two groups. To avoid biases and yield data with high reliability and validity, the data was analyzed by calculating the means, mean differences and standard deviation, and statistical analysis was done using Student’s t test for pair samples.

Several specific instruments had been used in the data collection process. A 3 point Likert Scale was used to assess the breast-feeding behavior, with a possible total score ranging from 0 to 12. The father and mother’s satisfaction for the skin on skin care was assessed by the parents completing together a questionnaire with seven close ended questions on a 5 point Likert scale ( from not at all to complete agreement). (Silvia, Dario…Paola, 2010). These instruments were appropriate to allow the mothers and fathers to replay their opinions more freely, without feeling pressure from the researchers.

Procedure

In the book “Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice”, Denise & Cheryl defined intervention as:” the experimenter does something to some participants by manipulating the independent variable” (2014). Skin on skin care given to infants born by cesarean delivery and the relationship that care had on skin temperature of the infants and the breast-feeding following delivery were the interventions noted in this study. According to the report, 34 mother-child couples were randomized to the control or experiment group by using opaque, sealed envelopes. Each envelop contained the next allocation from a computer-generated randomized list. Once the infants had been delivered, cleaned up, assessed and Apgar score completed, infants in both groups were dried, wrapped in a towel, briefly handed to the mother and then taken to the neonatal ward. Newborns in the control group were taken to the mother’s room and the mother was instructed about how to breast feed over a two-hour interval. The newborns in the experiment group received the same treatment, but only were dressed with a diaper and cap and wrapped in a warm cloth. The infant was placed between her breasts on her skin for the two-hour interval with a bread-feeding teaching. (Silvia, Dario…Paola, 2010). The interventions were delivered appropriately to the intervention group.

During the procedure of data collection, researchers tried to minimize bias by using several efforts. The skin temperature readings were measured by the same forehead thermometers in the same manner on each infant and mother. Also, the breast feeding data and mother/father satisfaction data were gathered by scale or questionnaire. Although there was no mention in the report for what specific training received by the staffs, 13 nurses and health care personnel involved in the study were having a meeting to discuss the protocol and train for data collection before the intervention in order to minimize bias.(Silvia, Dario…Paola, 2010).

Data analysis

Several statistical methods were used in the interpretation of the data. The researchers used descriptive statistic to synthesize and obtain means, standard deviation and variance. The t-test was used for paired sample in the data analysis, and 3 and 5 point Likert scale were used to obtain data in regards to breast-feeding and mother/father’s satisfaction of SSC. However, the t-test for the paired sample was the mean of the most powerful analytic method used in this study. The extraneous variables were attempted to be controlled by randomizing the mothers to the control or experimental group, through the process of giving them a opaque, sealed envelope with the next allocation inside that yielded from a computer-generated list.  All the statistical methods were designed to support the hypotheses.

Finding

The authors discuss the results in a manner that is objective and reflective of the data. Statistical analysis tables were provided and were clear and easy to read, and data presentation is summarized in a result section and then in more detail in the discussion section. The tables were well designed and could stand alone, and other measurements as of questionnaires were clear and could also easily stand alone. Analysis of the tables and the questionnaire surveys revealed no significant differences for either the control group or the experimental group. “In statistics, the term significant mean that results are not likely to have been due to chance, at some specified level of probability”. (Silvia, Dario…Paola, 2010). It supported the hypothesis that the use of SSC in cesarean deliveries was not associated with a drop in temperature.

Summary and assessment

Within the discussion section, the authors focused on the variables that reached significance and related them to previous research. Even though the randomization of sample selection process given it a high internal validity, the authors also admitted to the limitations in this study. For example, the authors stated that SSC cannot be carried out immediately due to the long distance from the operating rooms to the obstetrics department. This could present a maturation threat to internal validity in that a 51 min had elapsed before the mothers were back to their rooms, and the temperature of the newborns had changed due to metabolic adaption. Another limitation is related to external validity of the study. Though the authors mentioned that the study of SSC could be easily adopted and did not require extra personnel or increase in resources, it had limited generalizability to a larger population because the sample size was limited to the women who exposed to locoregional but not to general anesthesia.

In conclusion, even though the study had its own drawbacks, it is still considered as being valid as it controlled and minimized the confounding variables.  The study has also contributed to some meaningful evidence that can be used in nursing practice and it is useful to the nursing discipline. The researchers discussed the importance of implementing SSC to cesarean delivered infants within at least one hour following delivery, to increase the benefits of breast feeding. It also compared the finding to the previous research and indicated that the use of SSC would not lead to a drop in temperature for cesarean delivered infants. However, it was also noted that further research is needed to determine if SSC performed immediately after delivery is equally safe and feasible from an organizational point of view.

 

References

Polit, D., & Beck, C. (2014).  Essentials of Nursing Research:  Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice.  Philadelphia. Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Silvia, Dario, Amabile, Giovanna, Marco and Paola. (2010). Skin-to-Skin Contact

After Delivery: An Experimental Study. Nursing Research, 59, 78-8

 

Introduction:

Community health nursing focuses on providing health service, preventive care, intervention and health education to communities or population. They are often involved in policy development, as well as coming up with strategies which enhance the health and safety of the people within the community. As a nursing student and also a Registered Nurse, I have a great opportunity to practice as a community health nurse in the site senior center. In my self-reflection narrative, I am going to demonstrate the clinical objectives I have achieved.

 

Objective 1: Demonstrates individual professionalism through personal behaviors and appearance.

My clinical rotation for Community Health Nursing is at the Stein Senior Center every Wednesday from 9 am to 12:40 pm. As per school’s policy, I dress appropriately with business-like top, pant, clean sneaker, and always accompany by a big smile every times I go to class. I know every student here representing our school, so I maintain professionalism when interacting with the older people by using therapeutic communication, taking responsibilities for blood pressure screening, respecting each individual and maintaining client confidentiality. I prepare and read all the assigned readings before coming to class, and assignments such as taking blood pressure for the older people or presentation are completed within designated time frame. I also participate in clinical conferences and seek guidance from professor, staffs or classmates when needed.

 

Objective 2: Employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to individuals and families in the community setting.

It is essential for community health nurses to employ analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills when providing care to people within the community. When providing care to the older adults in the senior center, there was not much opportunity for hand-on experience and we were not able to access to the older adults’ medical record. Therefore I collected the older adults’ information through interview and during interaction with clients. I also had the opportunity to assess the impact of developmental, emotional, cultural, religious and spiritual influences on their own health status, and use analytical reasoning and critical thinking skills as I was providing teaching regarding their medications, blood pressure, or other health concerns to them. Because there was no opportunity to administer medications and treatments in the senior center, I assessed and reviewed medications with the senior, and teaching was provided as well.

 

Objective 3: Effectively communicate with diverse groups and disciplines using a variety of strategies regarding to health needs of individuals and families in the community setting.

Nurses today are providing care to an increasing diverse patient population, so excellent communication skills are required in order to build relationships with patients and provide a higher level of care. The third objective of my Community Health Nursing class focuses on effectively communicating with diverse groups and disciplines by using a variety of strategies regarding to health needs of individuals and family in the community setting. During interaction with older people, I utilize therapeutic communication skills such as active listening, restating, and using open-ended questions to assess their communication needs, allow time to answer my questions, and encourage them to verbalize their feelings. Also, I always bear in mind to be culturally competent and respect the individual’s personal values and beliefs.

 

Objective 4: Establish environment conductive to learning and use a plan for learners based on evidence-based practice.

One of our clinical projects was to educate the older people in the community setting about the importance of hydration through presentation. In order to achieve our goal, my another two classmates and I together developed and implemented a teaching plan. In order to get their attention and to know their knowledge about hydration, we made up a pretest and a post-test and had them to finish the questions before our presentation started. We taught about the symptoms of dehydration, told them when and how to seek medical assistance, and oranges and bottles of water were given out to each older adult while teaching them about the food/drink to help hydrate themselves. Even though it was a little frustrating as we found that some of the older adults were not paying attention to our presentation at all, but the outcome for those who took the post-test was inspiring– most of them had the correct answers after the presentation.

 

Objective 5: Utilize informational technology when managing individual and families in the community.

During my clinical rotation in Stein Senior Center, I was able to utilize the computer lab for research. For example, we were using the computer lab to do research for our hydration presentation and printed out information to the older adults.

 

Objective 6: demonstrate a commitment for personal development

One of the biggest commitment for personal development I can demonstrate is the skill of using a manual blood pressure machine. I learned this skill as a nursing student in the associate program. However, I didn’t have many opportunities to use and improve the skill, because during my clinical experiences, we were allowed to use the automatic blood pressure machines. In the Stein Senior Center, I was able to use my own manual blood pressure kits. In order to make sure do it right in the older adults, I practiced taking blood pressure on my parents, siblings, and myself before I was really doing it in the senior center. Now I feel confident to take blood pressure on anyone by using a manual blood pressure cuff.

 

Objective 7: Incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice

During my clinical rotation in Stein Senior Center, I was able to adhere to the professional nursing standards such as American Nurses Standards and Code of Ethics and took accountability into practice when approaching to the older adults. I also strictly complied with agency standards of practice, and held accountable for every actions I did in the senior center as I came contact with the elderly. I was also aware of the assigned agency’s mission. For example, when taking blood pressure, I asked  the older adults if they already signed the consent; if not, consent must be signed before doing so.

 

Objective 8: Collaborate with clients, significant support persons and members of health care team.

In the senior center, sometimes we might pair up to a assigned task. For example, one classmate and I joined to do stretch training with the older adults, or I paired up with another fellow classmate to take blood pressure on the seniors. During the blood pressure screening, we got a chance to communicate with the older adults, therefore specific client problems were able to be addressed and advice were given. For example, one older adult told me that he drank water only until he felt so thirsty, I taught him that the recommended amount of water to drink for an adult each day is 8 ounces.

 

Objective 9: Recognize the impact of economic, political, social and demographic forces that affect the delivery of health care service

During my stay in the Stein Senior Center, one concern I had for the older adults is lack of companionship, or loneliness. Older adults came to the senior center for free meals, making friends, or enjoying their time of doing exercises or playing music. However, I noticed some of them sitting alone, or eating and reading quietly. Some people told me that they were doing the same thing as they were home, because they lived alone, or family members were busy for making money/going schools. I think older adults need more social and family support.

 

Conclusion:

I had a great clinical experience in the Stein Senior center. I learned the difference between working in the hospital setting and the community setting, as the community health nursing confronts with more challenges but entails more autonomy and independence. The experience has greatly broadened my knowledge by providing me more insights into the impact of community health nursing in terms of policy making, health prevention, health promotion, and health education to the community. I also appreciate for the opportunity to work with my fellow classmates as a team to provide care and teaching to the older adults in the site senior center, as well as working together to finish our presentations and windshield survey. I recognize that the importance of teamwork also applies for community health nursing; it can help prevent errors from occurring, reduce issues lead to burnout, and provide us with emotional and physical support, so that we can better serve our clients and provide high quality of care.